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Israel: President Rivlin calls for "stable government" - Arab parties support Gantz

2019-09-22T18:28:35.292Z


Who will rule Israel in the future? President Reuven Rivlin calls on the two largest parties to form a government. The Arab parties support election winner Benny Gantz to topple Benjamin Netanyahu.



Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has begun initial consultations with parties on the future government after the parliamentary elections - and expresses a clear preference: Rivlin spoke in favor of a government involving the Likud party of former head of government Benjamin Netanyahu and the center-right Blue White of former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz.

"I am convinced that a stable government must be formed with both major parties," Rivlin said. That corresponds to the will of the population. "Nobody wants to vote for the third time." After the first parliamentary elections in April, Netanyahu had failed to form a coalition government. As a result, another vote was made last Tuesday. The result, however, makes government formation difficult. (Read an analysis here.)

The Arab-dominated United List stood on Gantz's side and recommended the ex-military chief as the new prime minister. It is the first time since 1992 that the Arab parties recommend a candidate as head of government.

Arab parties want to end Netanyahu's political career

"On behalf of the United List, I recommend that the President select Benny Gantz as the future Prime Minister," wrote Lions chief Aiman ​​Odeh in a statement for the New York Times. This should "bring together the necessary majority" to "prevent Netanyahu from seeking another term of office". That should seal "the end of the political career" Netanyahu. However, the Balad party, which belongs to the list and makes three MPs, made it clear that it does not support Odeh's recommendation.

The United List is the third largest group in the Knesset with 13 seats, comprising a total of 120 seats. With their support, the alliance blue-white comes in 57 seats, Netanyahu with his right-conservative Likud block to 55 seats. (An overview of the parties and alliances can be found here.)

In a unity government, Gantz would claim the post of Prime Minister. Netanyahu has weakened after the election and has only come into play as a member of an alliance with Gantz.

Official final result expected for Wednesday

Gantz had rejected a government with Netanyahu as prime minister before the election. He cited the allegations of corruption against Netanyahu, who has to attend a hearing on 2 October. After that, he faces charges in three cases.

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said he would not support Netanyahu or Gantz in the preliminaries for forming the government. Lieberman's party Israel Beitenu ("Our House Israel") received eight seats in the Knesset. Lieberman seeks a unity government to unite the Likud, Blue-White and his party Israel Beitenu.

Rivlin does not necessarily have to hire Netanyahu or Gantz to form a government. He could also opt for another solution. But there was no evidence on Sunday.

The presidential candidate usually has up to six weeks to form a coalition. Until Monday afternoon, the first round of consultations should be completed. Currently not all votes are counted. The official final result is expected on Wednesday.

Source: spiegel

All news articles on 2019-09-22

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